Simashvili Tengiz
Executed in September 1924 in Sighnaghi District
(Based on Archival Materials)
n 2020, one hundred
years had passed since the anti-Soviet armed uprising of August 1924. It still
remains to be studied and analyzed how many people were executed across the
entire territory of Georgia, including in Kakheti. It is known that in the
Telavi and Sighnaghi districts the local Soviet repressive structures arrested
numerous individuals on charges of participating in the August 1924 uprising, a
portion of whom were subsequently executed (Simashvili, T. 2020).
Our detailed analysis
of the general execution lists from various districts, including those executed
in Kakheti in 1924, shows that these lists are incomplete. As it turns out, the
actual number of those executed was significantly higher. This fact has already
been reflected in our research concerning the number of people executed in
Telavi district. (Simashvili, T. 2020: 53)
As for the Signagi district, the situation is the same—the
number of executions listed in the general register is inaccurately recorded.
First of all, it should be noted that according to materials
preserved in the archive of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a total of 857
people were executed on charges of participating in the anti-Soviet armed
uprising of August 1924. (MIA Archive, 12.10: 58). This refers to the general
execution lists compiled by district across the territory of Georgia and
preserved in the Ministry of Internal Affairs archive. These lists exist in two
copies, both of which contain attached summaries indicating the number, rank,
and social background of those executed in Georgia during August–September
1924.
In the summary attached to the first general list, we read the
following: “Communists – 4, Mensheviks – 372, National-Democrats – 175,
Socialist-Federalists – 30, non-partisan – 152, other anti-Soviet elements –
124, total: 857.” The same document also records the executed according to
social origin and occupation: intelligentsia – 333 / nobles and aristocrats,
workers – 23, peasants/“kulaks” – 300, clergy – 45, merchants – 25, others –
115 / persons without a defined profession, bandits – 16, total: 857. (MIA
Archive, 12.10: 263)
The second general list contains errors in the breakdown by
categories, but the total number of executions is correctly indicated as 857.
(MIA Archive, 12.10: 280–282)
The successor organization of the Soviet political police
“Cheka” in 1924 operated in the districts under the name “Political Bureau”
(Politburo). On December 1, 1924, the Political Bureau of Signagi district sent
to the Georgian “Cheka” a list of executions carried out in the district, which
was compiled in Russian. (MIA Archive, 12.10: 180)
In this document we read: “U.S.S.R. Political Bureau for the
Struggle against Counterrevolution and Speculation. In accordance with directive
№13642/ц 21(7).11.24, we present to you the list of persons executed who took
part in the Menshevik adventure:
1.
Kazbegi Nikoloz Dimitri’s
son, 36 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle [status], member of the
Parity Committee*
2.
Samadashvili Levan Giorgi’s
son, 44 years old, Menshevik, peasant, middle, head of the Parity Committee
3.
Bolgashvili Ioseb Ivane’s
son, 40 years old, Socialist-Federalist, peasant, middle, member of the Parity
Committee*
4.
Vachnadze Viktor Giorgi’s
son, 27 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
5.
Vachnadze Kote Davit’s son,
35 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
6.
Tulashvili Vladimir
Vakhtang’s son, 48 years old, National-Democrat, nobleman, middle
7.
Abashidze Aleksandre
Ioseb’s son, 30 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
8.
Vachnadze Konstantine
Mikheil’s son, 24 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
9.
Vachnadze Iase
Konstantine’s son, 60 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle, former
colonel
10.
Andronikashvili Dementi
Dimitri’s son, 35 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle, former officer
11.
Vakhvakhishvili Shalva
Giorgi’s son, 37 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
12.
Vachnadze Nikoloz
Aleksandre’s son, 68 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
13.
Abashidze Levan Simon’s
son, 35 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
14.
Abashidze Nikoloz Ilia’s
son, 35 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
15.
Jandieri Archil Razhden’s
son, 24 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle, former officer
16.
Andronikashvili Lado Abel’s
son, 27 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
17.
Jandieri Evgeni Zakro’s
son, 31 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle, former officer
18.
Andronikashvili Giorgi
Mikheil’s son, 22 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
19.
Chavchavadze Malkhaz
Irakli’s son, 28 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle, former officer
20.
Bakuradze Giorgi Alexi’s
son, 39 years old, National-Democrat, nobleman, middle, former officer
21.
Vachnadze Andrei
Konstantine’s son, 34 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle, former
officer
22.
Meghvinetukhutseseli Ivane
Giorgi’s son, 42 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
23.
Jandieri Giorgi Ivane’s
son, 38 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
24.
Vachnadze Mikheil Zakro’s
son, 52 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
25.
Vachnadze Nikoloz Davit’s
son, 31 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
26.
Maisuradze Archil Simon’s
son, 30 years old, National-Democrat, nobleman, middle, former officer
27.
Abashidze Shalva Davit’s
son, 32 years old, National-Democrat, noble, middle
28.
Ruadze Zakro Isak’s son,
bandit
29.
Kobashvili Data Simon’s
son, bandit
30.
Matsashvili Data Sardion’s
son, bandit
31.
Chachukishvili Archil
Sardion’s son, bandit*
32.
Sesiashvili Tskaloba
Ivane’s son, bandit
33.
Mtvarelishvili Giorgi
Abram’s son, bandit
34.
Mtvarelishvili Sandro,
bandit
35.
Mtvarelishvili Data, bandit
36.
Osman-Mamed-Rasul-Oghli,
bandit
37.
Bolgashvili Zakro Ivane’s
son, 53 years old, right-wing Socialist-Federalist, peasant, middle, former
colonel
38.
Tavlalashvili Siko Thomas’s
son, 23 years old, Menshevik, peasant, middle, Gurjaani district Menshevik
organization*
39.
Javshanashvili Aleksandre
Ivane’s son, 33 years old, National-Democrat, nobleman, middle, former officer
40.
Jaralovi Nikoloz Firuz’s
son, 26 years old, Menshevik, kulak
41.
Tsitsilashvili Genadi
Ilarion’s son, 25 years old, Menshevik, kulak, bandit
42.
Katsiashvili Shakro
Dimitri’s son, 25 years old, Menshevik, peasant, middle
43.
Giunashvili Giorgi Davit’s
son, 36 years old, Federalist, peasant, middle
44.
Omsarashvili Giorgi Ioseb’s
son, 23 years old, Young Marxist, peasant, middle
45.
Khatiashvili Mikheil
Dimitri’s son, 37 years old, right-wing Federalist, kulak, had ties with
bandits
46.
Natsvalishvili Ivane
Levan’s son, 30 years old, National-Democrat, nobleman, middle
47.
Menteshashvili Shalva
Ilia’s son, 28 years old, Socialist-Federalist, clerical estate, middle,
supporter of Cholokua’s band
48.
Gogiashvili Dimitri
Andrei’s son, 27 years old, Socialist-Federalist, clerical estate, middle,
bandit
49.
Natsvalishvili Giorgi Davit’s
son, 44 years old, Menshevik, peasant, middle
50.
Tukhvashvili Ivane Davit’s
son, 44 years old, Menshevik, peasant, middle, White Guardist
51.
Tukhvashvili Giga Davit’s
son, 46 years old, Menshevik, peasant, middle, White Guardist
52.
Darchiashvili Kristepore Zakro’s
son, 20 years old, Young Marxist, peasant, middle
53.
Nadirashvili Aleksandre
Vasil’s son, 53 years old, Menshevik, kulak, clerical estate, Machkhaani
Menshevik organization
54.
Bejashvili Nikoloz Giorgi’s
son, 22 years old, Young Marxist, peasant, middle, Young Marxist organization
55.
Tsiskarishvili Ioseb
Giorgi’s son, 46 years old, Menshevik, kulak
56.
Kratsashvili Nikoloz
Aleksandre’s son, 22 years old, Young Marxist, peasant, middle
57.
Gogiashvili Shakro Giorgi’s
son, 35 years old, Menshevik, peasant, middle, former head of the Guard’s staff
58.
Nasqidashvili Nikoloz
Mikheil’s son, 40 years old, National-Democrat, from peasant background, middle
59.
Kurkhvashvili Giga
Theodore’s son, 35 years old, National-Democrat, kulak
60.
Sesiashvili Giorgi Lazar’s
son, 25 years old, Menshevik, kulak
61.
Korashvili Nikoloz Nodar’s
son, 40 years old, National-Democrat, kulak
62.
Khirseli Aleksandre
Solomon’s son, 21 years old, Young Marxist, peasant, middle, Young Marxist
organization
63.
Rtskhiladze Giorgi
Nikoloz’s son, 36 years old, National-Democrat, nobleman, middle
64.
Nanobashvili Giga, son of
Nikoloz, 28 years old, Menshevik, peasant, middle class, former officer
65.
Natsvalishvili Giorgi, son
of Petre, 34 years old, National-Democrat, nobleman, middle class, former
officer
The document is signed by the Deputy Head of the Sighnaghi
district “Political Bureau,” Commissioner Isakadze. The secretary is Shibkikhi.
(MIA Archive, 12.10: 181–182)
It is noteworthy that part of the names listed here are entirely
absent from the general list of those executed in the Georgian districts, where
the total number of executed persons is given. In this general list, the
following names are missing: No. 61 – Korashvili Nikoloz, son of Nodar; No. 62
– Khirseli Aleksandre, son of Solomon; No. 63 – Rtskhiladze Giorgi, son of
Nikoloz; No. 64 – Nanobashvili Giga, son of Nikoloz; No. 65 – Natsvalishvili
Giorgi, son of Petre. In total, four names are absent. (MIA Archive, 12.10:
270–271)
This confirms that the general execution lists compiled by
Soviet security structures in Georgia’s districts during August–September 1924
do not contain precise information.
Among the archival materials we located, there is also the
protocol of a meeting held two months earlier—dated September 2, 1924—by the
Sighnaghi district “Special Troika.” Present were the head of the district
“Special Troika,” Varamašvili, and its members: Deputy Chairman of the
Executive Committee Aivazov, head of the “Political Bureau” Gegechkori, as well
as the representative of “Zakcheka” (Transcaucasian Cheka) Ashukin and the
technical secretary Isakadze.* (MIA Archive, 12.10: 233)
The reason we initially did not cite the contents of this
protocol is that it was very likely drawn up much later. A similar situation
occurred in the Telavi district, where the “Political Bureau” issued the
resolution sentencing people executed between September 1–5, 1924, only a month
later, formalized under the date of September 30, 1924. (MIA Archive, 6.2426:
44–56)
The archival materials also preserve a letter sent by the
Sighnaghi district “Political Bureau” to the Georgian “Cheka” on January 30,
1925. From this document it becomes clear that the September 2, 1924 protocol
of the “Special Troika” session—where the death sentences were issued—was
forwarded three months later.
The letter states:
“To the Georgian Cheka, in response to request №54 I/c 21.01.1925, we present
the protocol of the September 2 session of the Sighnaghi district Special
Troika, regarding the application of the supreme penalty—execution by shooting—against
those involved in the uprising in the Sighnaghi district. The ‘Information
Section’ informs you that there are no properly filed case records on those
executed, only the resolution of the ‘Troika.’ Such records do not exist
because the former members of the ‘Political Bureau’ did not timely take into
account the necessity of preparing them, and now correcting this error is
impossible. Head of the Information Section – Tatuzov, Commissioner –
Jijeshvili.”* (MIA Archive, 12.10: 233)
It is noteworthy that the Telavi district “Political Bureau”
found itself in a similar situation, as it issued a comparable resolution
belatedly, dated September 30, 1924. (MIA Archive, 6.2426: 44–56)
As for the content of the Russian-language protocol:
“Agenda: In accordance with the circular directive of the Georgian Cheka
concerning those implicated in preparing the adventure against Soviet power,
the Sighnaghi district Special Troika, in the presence of Zakcheka
representative Ashukin, heard the circular directive of the Georgian Cheka
regarding the application of the supreme penalty against those who participated
in the adventure—the armed uprising against Soviet power. It was decided: to
apply the supreme penalty—execution by shooting—to the following individuals
involved in preparing the adventure—armed uprising against Soviet power.” (MIA
Archive, 12.10: 252)
This text is followed by the list of individuals sentenced to
execution in the Sighnaghi district. The list in the protocol dated September
2, 1924, largely matches the execution list of December 2, 1924, but contains
more detailed information about those executed. For example, in the September 2
protocol list, No. 1 is: “Kazbegi Nikoloz, son of Dimitri, 36 years old,
nobleman, representative of the National-Democrats in the Sighnaghi district
Parity Committee”; No. 2 – “Samadashvili Levan, son of Giorgi, 44 years old,
active Menshevik, member of the Parity Committee from the Mensheviks”; No. 3 –
“Bodgashvili Ioseb, son of Ivane, 40 years old, active member of the
Socialist-Federalist Party, representative in the Parity Committee”; No. 32 –
“Sesiashvili Tskaloba, son of Ivane, recidivist and harborer of bandits”; No.
36 – “Osman Rasul-Oghli, recidivist, thief”; No. 38 – “Tabladashvili Siko, son
of Thomas, 23 years old, organizer, Gurjaani district Menshevik Party, active
in Zugdidi bureau, member of the Komsomol”; No. 44 – “Omsarashvili Giorgi, son
of Ioseb, Menshevik, distributor of proclamations”; No. 48 – “Gogiashvili
Dimitri, son of Ilia, 27 years old, criminal, bandit, recidivist”; No. 52 –
“Darchiashvili Kristepore, son of Zakro, 20 years old, Young Marxist, accused
of murdering a Political Bureau member”; No. 53 – “Nadirashvili Aleksandre, son
of Vasil, 53 years old, Menshevik, kulak, participated in shooting Bolsheviks
during the attack”;* No. 56 – “Kratsashvili Nikoloz, son of Aleksandre, 22
years old, Young Marxist, organizer across the district, called on the
population to rise in armed revolt”; No. 59 – “Kurkhvashvili Gigo, son of
Theodore, 35 years old, kulak, National-Democrat, participated in meetings of
National-Democrats in the village of Mashnari discussing recruiting people for
the uprising”; No. 62 – “Khirseli Aleksandre, son of Solomon, 21 years old,
Young Marxist, organizer in the Anaga area”; No. 64 – “Nanobashvili Giga, son
of Nikoloz, 28 years old, former officer, recruiting people into the Menshevik
armed uprising”; No. 65 – “Natsvalishvili Giorgi, son of Petre, 34 years old,
former nobleman, former officer, supporter of Cholokashvili’s band,
National-Democrat”; and others. (MIA Archive, 12.10: 285–286)
The protocol dated September 2, 1924 is signed by the Chairman
of the Sighnaghi district “Special Troika” and responsible secretary,
Varamašvili*; “Troika members”: Deputy Chairman of the District Executive
Committee Aivazov and head of the “Political Bureau” Gegechkori. Also signed by
the “responsible secretary” Isakadze. The document is certified by the
Commissioner of the Sighnaghi “Information Section.”*
We also located a third list concerning executions in the
Sighnaghi district, which is preserved in the general execution register across
Georgian districts. This list is included in the archival file on persons
executed in Georgia during 1921–1924. It appears that the 1924 file on executions,
with its cover, was directly bound into it. This is confirmed by the cover page
of the file placed before the general execution list of 1924 in Georgia, which
reads: “Investigative case of those executed during the August adventure.
1924.” (MIA Archive, 12.10: 118)
This list begins with the names of those apparently executed in
Tbilisi. It refers to individuals imprisoned at Metekhi Prison in Tbilisi in
August 1924. (MIA Archive, 12.10: 152–154) This is followed by the general
lists of executions in various districts, including the Sighnaghi district.
The analysis of the
list of executions preserved in the “general list” for the Sighnaghi district
proves to be particularly interesting. It contains various types of errors. For
example, in the attached list of executions from the minutes of 2 September
1924, entry no. 3 is recorded as Bodgashvili (MIA, f. 12, d. 10: 270–272),
while in the general list the name appears as Bolgashvili (MIA, f. 12, d. 10:
285–286). In the general list, Lado Abelidze Andronikashvili is given as 27
years old (MIA, f. 12, d. 10: 285–286), whereas in the list attached to the
minutes of 2 September 1924 his age is recorded as 57 (MIA, f. 12, d. 10:
270–272). Likewise, in the general list appears Ivane Giorgis-dze Megvinetkhutsishvili
(MIA, f. 12, d. 10: 285–286), while in the attached list he is listed as
Megvinetkhutsesov (MIA, f. 12, d. 10: 270–272). The general list gives Siko
Tavlalashvili (MIA, f. 12, d. 10: 285–286), while the attached list of 2
September 1924 records him as Siko Tablalashvili (MIA, f. 12, d. 10: 270–272).
It is noteworthy that all lists of those executed in the
Sighnaghi district contain identical errors. For example, executed person no.
14, “Abashidze Nikoloz Ilias-dze, 35 years old, National Democrat, nobleman,
middle-income,” was in fact born in 1869 and therefore could not have been 35
at the time of his execution. This mistake is repeated in every extant list of
the executed. Interestingly, Nikoloz Ilias-dze Abashidze was a member of the
distinguished Kakhet-Abashidze family, a member of the Tbilisi branch of the
Society for the Spreading of Literacy among Georgians, and a well-known
philanthropist (Society for Literacy, Abashidze).
To demonstrate that the actual number of executed individuals
exceeded those recorded in the general list, we may turn to other archival
material. Among the holdings of the National Archives of Georgia, in the files
of the “All-Georgia Central Executive Committee” of the Georgian SSR, are
preserved the minutes of village assemblies held in October 1924 in the Telavi
and Sighnaghi districts. These records concern the brutal process, in September
1924, of expelling villagers — mostly nobles, clergy, and members of the
intelligentsia. (Central Archive of Contemporary History of Georgia, f. 284, d.
42: 42). According to these materials, in the Sighnaghi district the expulsion
of undesirable persons was in some villages accompanied by physical reprisals
and executions carried out by mobs without any judicial process.
For example, the minutes of the Akhashen–Chumlaki village
council of 2 October 1924 include a list of expelled persons: “former priest
Isidore Vacheishvili with family; Kola Aleksandres-dze Machavariani with wife;
widow Sona Jijimqrelidze with child, and others.” The same minutes also record:
“the family of Giorgi Tsinamdzghvrishvili executed” (Central Archive, f. 284,
d. 42: 32). It should be emphasized that Giorgi Tsinamdzghvrishvili’s name does
not appear in any of the existing execution lists for the Sighnaghi district.
Similarly, the minutes of the Kolagi–Vejini village council
meeting of 3 October 1924 discussed “the issue of nobles expelled from
Kolagi–Vejini for conspiracy and preparation of an anti-Soviet uprising around
28–29 August (old style), and whether they should be allowed to return to their
families” (Central Archive, f. 284, d. 42: 34). The list of expelled persons
includes: “the family of Andro Konstantines-dze Vachnadze, executed” (Central
Archive, f. 284, d. 42: 34). This same person also appears in the list of
executions of the Sighnaghi district submitted by the local “Political Bureau”
to the Georgian Cheka on 1 December 1924, entry no. 21: “Vachnadze Andrei
Konstantines-dze, 34 years old, National Democrat, nobleman, middle-income,
former officer” (MIA, f. 12, d. 10: 254–256).
The Kolagi–Vejini minutes also mention other executed persons
and their families, whose names appear in the official execution lists, such
as: “the family of Niko Aleksandres-dze Vachnadze, executed; one of his sons
executed for supporting Kakutsa; the family of Domenti Dimitris-dze
Andronikashvili, executed; the family of Konstantine Davitis-dze Vachnadze
(Chimiashvili), executed; the family of Iase Konstantines-dze, executed”
(Central Archive, f. 284, d. 42: 36). Also mentioned is “Misha Andronikashvili,
former officer, expelled; his son was executed for supporting Kakutsa’s band”
(Central Archive, f. 284, d. 42: 36). This most likely refers to “Andronikashvili
Giorgi Mikheilis-dze, 22 years old, National Democrat, nobleman, middle-income”
(MIA, f. 12, d. 10: 254–256).
The records further include the minutes of the Bakurtsikhe
village council of 3 October 1924, where a list was compiled of those killed
during the expulsion process: “the family of Giorgi Solomonis-dze Vachnadze,
murdered; the family of Mikheil Solomonis-dze Vachnadze, murdered” (Central
Archive, f. 284, d. 42: 40), and others. Among them was “the family of Mikheil
Zakarias-dze Vachnadze, executed” (Central Archive, f. 284, d. 42: 40),
corresponding to the entry in the official execution lists: “Vachnadze Mikheil
Zakros-dze, 52 years old, National Democrat, nobleman, middle-income” (MIA, f.
12, d. 10: 254–256). The same document also mentions: “the widow Sopio
Cholokashvili — Kakutsa celebrated three times at her home, for which her son
was executed” (Central Archive, f. 284, d. 42: 41). At present, due to the lack
of additional information, it has not been possible to identify the exact name
of Sopio Cholokashvili’s son.
On 5 October 1924, the minutes of the Kardenakhi village council
list expelled individuals, including: “the family of Data Aleksandres-dze, also
known as Ilarionis-dze Foraqishvili, murdered; the family of Iase Vachnadze,
murdered” (Central Archive, f. 284, d. 42: 43). The same document also records:
“the family of Viktor (Vakhtang) Giorgis-dze Vachnadze, executed — mother and
child” (Central Archive, f. 284, d. 42: 44). This refers to the entry in the
execution lists: “Vachnadze Viktor Giorgis-dze, 27 years old, National
Democrat, nobleman, middle-income” (MIA, f. 12, d. 10: 254–256). The same list
also includes: “the wife and child of Levan Samadashvili, recently executed for
conspiracy” (Central Archive, f. 284, d. 42: 44). This corresponds to entry no.
2 in the execution list: “Samadashvili Levan Giorgis-dze, 44 years old,
Menshevik, peasant, middle-income, head of the Parity Committee” (MIA, f. 12,
d. 10: 254–256).
As noted above, the name of Giorgi Tsinamdzghvrishvili, mentioned
in the Akhashen–Chumlaki council minutes of 2 October 1924 as executed, does
not appear in any of the official lists of executed persons in the Sighnaghi
district (Central Archive, f. 284, d. 42: 32). Moreover, the general list of
executions preserved in the MIA archive for the Sighnaghi district omits at
least four individuals known to have been executed.
Therefore, based on the analyzed materials, it can be concluded
that new, more detailed research is required in order to clarify the number of
those executed during the anti-Soviet armed uprising of August 1924 in various
districts of Georgia, and to establish their identities with greater accuracy.
References
·
Simashvili, T. (2020). Soviet Repressions in Telavi – 1921–1924. Part I.
Tbilisi: Meridian.
·
Central Archive of
Contemporary History of Georgia, Fund 284, Inventory 3, File 42.
·
Ministry of Internal
Affairs Archive, Fund 6, Inventory 1, File 2426.
·
Ministry of Internal
Affairs Archive, Fund 12, Inventory 1, File 10.
·
Society for the Spreading
of Literacy among Georgians, Members. Nikoloz Ilias-dze Abashidze. Available
at: http://www.nplg.gov.ge/ilia/ka/00011303
